The Rise of The 'Green Collar' Job

"The Bronx group is at the forefront of a movement to put low-income and low-skilled workers in "green collar" jobs: manual work in fields that help the environment."

"Cities trying to strengthen the local economy and go green see the solution in green-collar jobs. Jobs in the $341-billion-a-year green industry have the potential to move people out of poverty, says Trenton, N.J., Mayor Douglas Palmer."

"Existing programs are funded by the cities or non-profit organizations. The mayors conference is lobbying Congress for a $2 billion fund that cities could tap for their green efforts, including job training."

"Green for All, a national group working to bring green-collar jobs to cities, is asking Congress for $125 million to train union members and poor people in green jobs."

"Both efforts are part of the energy bill the House passed last Thursday."